Why is the altar of fragrant incense specifically mentioned in Leviticus 4:7? Immediate Literary Context (Leviticus 4:1-12) Leviticus 4 introduces the ḥaṭṭāʾt (sin offering). When “the anointed priest sins” (4:3) the entire covenant community is jeopardized. Accordingly, verse 7 commands: “The priest shall then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. He shall pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” . Two distinct altars are named—only one receives the blood-daubing. The Altar of Fragrant Incense: Location, Construction, Function Exodus 30:1-10 establishes this “golden altar” positioned “in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony” (Exodus 30:6). Crafted of acacia overlaid with gold, it was used exclusively for the twice-daily burning of a specially compounded incense (Exodus 30:34-38). The incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to Yahweh (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). Blood on the Horns: Purification, Not Consumption Unlike the bronze altar where blood was poured out and flesh was burned, the incense altar received blood only on its horns (projecting points). This action did not “feed” the altar but ritually purified it. Leviticus 4:7 (and 4:18 for congregational sin) employs the verb נָתַן (nātan, “apply/put”), echoing Exodus 30:10: “Aaron is to make atonement on its horns once a year… with the blood of the sin offering of atonement; it is most holy to the LORD.” Sin pollutes sacred space; blood removes that defilement so prayer may again rise unhindered. Hierarchy of Holiness and Graduated Ritual Response Leviticus 4 records four tiers of offenders. Blood is taken inside the sanctuary only for the high-priestly or corporate sin (4:7, 18). When a leader (4:25) or commoner (4:30) sins, the blood remains outside on the bronze altar. The more representative the sinner, the deeper the defilement; thus the incense altar—nearest the divine Presence—must be cleansed. Maintaining Intercessory Access Because the incense altar embodies continual intercession, its purification ensures that mediation between God and Israel is not severed. The smoke of incense and the sprinkling of blood converge typologically in Christ, who “entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle… by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:11-14) and “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). The deliberate mention of this altar therefore foreshadows the unity of atonement and intercession perfected in the risen Messiah. Day-of-Atonement Parallels Leviticus 16:18-19 repeats the procedure: blood is applied to the horns and sprinkled seven times on the incense altar “to consecrate it.” The daily ritual of Leviticus 4 anticipates the annual Yom Kippur climax, reinforcing the altar’s role as an inner-sanctuary purification point. Horns as Power, Refuge, and Transfer Point Throughout Scripture horns signify strength and sanctuary (1 Kings 1:50-51; Psalm 18:2). Blood on the horns publicly demonstrates that guilt has been transferred and neutralized, securing covenantal refuge for the people. Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Corroboration Miniature gold-plated incense altars uncovered at Timnah and Hazor (14th–13th c. BC strata) parallel the biblical description, confirming such cultic furniture in the Late Bronze milieu. Egyptian temple reliefs likewise depict priests daubing blood on inner fixtures, providing a cultural analogue that illuminates, rather than contradicts, the Levitical text. Answer Summarized Leviticus 4:7 specifies the altar of fragrant incense because the sins of Israel’s representative figures defile the very nexus of intercession. Blood on its horns ritually purifies that space, allowing prayers to ascend again. The act prefigures Christ’s entry into the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, marrying atonement and unceasing intercession for those He saves. |
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